2013 Maryland Code
ENVIRONMENT
§ 9-1108 - On-site sewage disposal system and nitrogen removal technology

§9-1108.

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) “Nitrogen removal technology” means the best available technology for the removal of nitrogen.

(3) “On-site sewage disposal system” means a sewage treatment unit, collection system, disposal area, and related appurtenances.

(b) A person may not:

(1) Install, or have installed, on property a person owns in the State in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area, an on-site sewage disposal system to service a newly constructed building, unless the on-site sewage disposal system utilizes nitrogen removal technology; or

(2) Replace or have replaced, an existing on-site sewage disposal system on property a person owns in the State in the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area, unless the replacement on-site sewage disposal system utilizes nitrogen removal technology.

(c) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection and in accordance with § 9-1605.2(h) of this title, the Department shall assist homeowners in paying the cost difference between a conventional on-site sewage disposal system and a system that utilizes nitrogen removal technology with money from the Bay Restoration Fund, if sufficient funds are available.

(2) In calendar years 2010, 2011, and 2012, the Department shall assist homeowners by paying 100% of the cost difference between a conventional on-site sewage disposal system and a system that utilizes nitrogen removal technology with money from the Bay Restoration Fund, if the homeowner:

(i) Is required under subsection (b)(2) of this section to replace an existing on-site sewage disposal system with an on-site sewage disposal system that utilizes nitrogen removal technology; and

(ii) Has a failing on-site sewage disposal system.

(d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates subsection (b) of this section is subject to the civil and administrative penalties and the enforcement mechanisms provided in §§ 9-334 through 9-342 of this title.

(2) The penalties imposed under this section may not exceed $8,000.

(e) (1) The Department shall adopt regulations to implement this section.

(2) The regulations adopted in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include provisions to ensure that appropriate management measures are provided for the operation and maintenance of nitrogen removal technology.

§ 9-1108 - 1. Nitrogen removal technology

(a) Definitions. --

(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) "Nitrogen removal technology" has the meaning stated in § 9-1108 of this subtitle.

(3) "On-site sewage disposal system" has the meaning stated in § 9-1108 of this subtitle.

(4) "Vendor" means a person that sells, offers for sale, or distributes on-site sewage disposal systems that utilize nitrogen removal technology.

(b) In general. --

(1) In accordance with subsection (c) of this section, the Department shall evaluate and rank all best available nitrogen removal technologies for on-site sewage disposal systems to advise local governments and residents of the State of approved technologies that qualify for funding under § 9-1605.2(h)(2) of this title.

(2) The Department shall:

(i) Make available the evaluation and ranking of all best available nitrogen removal technologies required under this section on the Department's Web site; and

(ii) Provide the evaluation and ranking of all best available nitrogen removal technologies to a county, municipality, or resident of the State in any correspondence relating to approved technologies that qualify for funding under § 9-1605.2(h)(2) of this title.

(c) Basis for evaluation. -- The Department shall evaluate and rank all best available nitrogen removal technologies for on-site sewage disposal systems based on:

(1) The total amount of nitrogen reduction the technology can achieve;

(2) The total cost of the technology, including the estimated annual cost of operation and maintenance, including electricity costs;

(3) The cost per pound of the nitrogen reduction; and

(4) Any other information the Department determines is necessary.

(d) Annual request for information from vendors. -- Beginning June 1, 2011, and every 2 years thereafter, the Department shall request information from vendors necessary to carry out the requirements of this section.